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As we looked at the"black river" that flows through the TC property in Valenzuela City, Manila, it appeared beautiful and mysterious.
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As workers cleaned up the property to be occupied by Teen Challenge students, they encountered a large Anaconda in the undergrowth. One of the longest and most powerful snakes of the boa constrictor family, an anaconda wraps itself around the victim, suffocating them until the life is literally squeezed from their body. I |
It came up from the black waters of the river that flows along side the Teen Challenge property. As I looked at the spot where the workers found the 5 meter (15 foot long) snake. I thought of the areas of our life and we all deal with. After creation there was a snake in the garden so it should not surprise us if they show up in at TC center or in our lives.
When Adam and Eve took that first bite of the forbidden fruit it began aprogression of escalating darkness, sin and deception that continues to this day.
Teen Challenge workers set out with machetes clearing underbrush for the safety of the students. With 23 students coming on the premises who knows the danger that was hidden both under the surface of the water and then hiding in the underbrush. That is why it's so important that we ask the Holy Spirit to search our hearts for the lurking sin, the unconfessed compromise, or the weariness with well doing that can so quickly sneak up on us.
In Matthew chapter 12, Jesus reminds us that out of the "well of our heart" will come the true issues of our life.
"For out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaks, a good man out of good treasure brings forth good and an evil man out of the evil treasure brings forth evil".
To face the real challenges of our life, we must be willing to shine the light in the dark waters, stir up the murky depths and allow the Holy Spirit to give us power to deal with what comes forth. |
It is not enough to just know there is danger lying just beneath the surface. We must be willing to clear the field for the Power of God to work in our heart. Like the workers to the right, itis so important that we clear away the underbrush in our lives where sin lurks. |
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Hebrews chapter 12:1 says to lay aside every weight, and the sin that doth so easily beset us". As important as dealing with sin under the suface, we also need to lay aside every weight. Turn loose the burdens that God has not called us to carry, the unforgiveness that clutters our heart and which we tote around on our back because we feel we need to bear it in an effort to defend or justify ourselves. What is under the surface?/
What is the field you need to clear for God to begin to make you a "safe father?" A safe mother? Is my field clear that I might model the life of Christ?
Let us just ask the Holy Spirit search our hearts, the father to reveal his love and Jesus to give us the grace to take the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God and clear the underbrush with a bold integrity to expose anything that lies beneath the surface. |
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